Dr. William Henry Brinkman passed away on September 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and leaving behind a life defined by faith, service, devotion to his family, and an extraordinary commitment to his patients and profession.
William was born to Rose and Theodore Brinkman of St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Cretin Military Academy in St. Paul and St. Joseph’s Franciscan Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, before earning his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Minnesota. Following active duty in the United States Army in Turkey and California, he began his dental career in Atlanta in 1967, purchasing the first dental practice established in Buckhead from Dr. Ben Jones.
In 1971, William moved his practice to Sandy Springs, where he cared for generations of patients for more than 50 years. Dentistry was far more than a profession to him—it was a lifelong passion and a calling. He took great pride in his work and, above all, in the relationships he formed with his patients and their families.
In 1984, William received a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He was a life member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Northern District Dental Association, and the Hinman Dental Society. His commitment to service extended throughout his life, including his continued service in the U.S. Army Reserve.
In 1993, William stepped away from his busy dental practice to once again serve his country during Desert Storm. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service.
His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Serra International, and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He also believed strongly in supporting the arts and his community and was a patron of the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Ballet. He was a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club.
William had a deep curiosity about the world and embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved golf, reading, and travel, and he especially enjoyed a good game of poker. In 1983, he reached the final table of the 14th Annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing fifth—a memorable achievement that reflected his competitive spirit, confidence, and love of the game.
But William's greatest accomplishments were not professional or competitive. They were the relationships he built and the people he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He cherished his faith and family and had a genuine affection for the many friends and patients who became part of his life.
William is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine “Katie” Tumpane Brinkman; his son, Dr. William Tumpane Brinkman, a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon, and his wife, Dr. Uta Rokahr Brinkman; and his three grandchildren, Sophia Catherine Brinkman, Peter John Brinkman, and Andrew William Brinkman of Dallas, Texas.
He is also survived by his siblings, Karen Knutson of Ocala, Florida; Ted Brinkman of Mesa, Arizona; Jim Brinkman of Bozeman, Montana; and John Brinkman of New Orleans, Louisiana; as well as five nephews and one niece.
William will be remembered for his devotion to his faith, his country, his family, his friends, and especially his patients. He brought energy and enthusiasm to all that he did and lived a life rich in purpose, friendship, service, and love.
His family will remember most of all the man behind the accomplishments: a loving husband and father, a proud grandfather, a loyal brother and friend, a dedicated dentist, and a man who embraced life fully and encouraged those around him to do the same.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Serra International at Holy Spirit Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.
A Visitation and Rosary Service will be held on Monday, October 5th at 6:00 PM, at H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 11:00 AM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.
Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, October 6th following the Funeral Mass at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon HWY NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
A Reception will take place following the Committal Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Serra International at Holy Spirit, or the charity of your choice.
